By Rika Susan
On EZine Articles
We are all becoming more aware of caring for our environment. Cork flooring reviews point to the latest floating ranges as a more eco-friendly DIY installation for your home. Due to innovative manufacturing techniques, this kind of home improvement has turned into a boon for the handyman.
Installation is relatively easy, even for a novice. You may not even need to purchase a separate underlayment.
Let's take a look at 7 reasons why natural cork floor coverings have become so popular among the DIY crowd.
1. Eco-Friendly Floors
During manufacturing, bark from the cork oak tree is used. Once harvested, it is ground and processed into sheets. These are then kiln baked to produce the flooring tiles. This type of floor covering can be used in homes and light commercial settings such as offices.
This is a highly regulated industry. Regulations require that a tree must be at least 25 years before it can be harvested. The tree isn't negatively impacted by the harvesting. The bark grows back in time, making for a renewable flooring source. This is why it is seen as an eco-friendly or 'green' interior design solution.
2. Durable And Resilient
Judging by cork flooring reviews, this kind of floor is comparatively resilient when it comes to impact. The cellular nature means that it contains microscopic air pockets. This creates a 'memory' in a sense that allows the surface to go back to its original state after impact or pressure. This also makes it a suitable choice if you have pets in your home, although you still have to make sure that you keep their nails short.
3. Family Friendly
Moisture Resistant: Cork contains a waxy substance called suberin. This is the secret behind the excellent moisture resistance of floating cork flooring. In spite of this, it is still safer not to let fluids stand on your new floor. Rather clean any spills immediately.
Insect Resistant: The waxy suberin also allows these surfaces to be highly resistant to insect infestation and molds and mildew. Many cork flooring reviews also mention that, if your kids suffer from allergies, changing from carpeting to cork may be beneficial.
Impact Resistant: The air pockets act as shock absorbers in a sense, facilitating excellent cushioning. This gives it a good level of impact resistance. The cushioning may also offer some measure of protection when, for instance, an elderly person falls on one of these floors.
Warm: The air pockets or cellular structure also traps warmth. This means that a floating cork floor will be more comfortable and warmer underfoot than many of the other options, such as laminates or vinyl.
Absorbs Sound Well: Again, due to the cellular structure, sound is absorbed remarkably well. Cork flooring reviews note that you won't get the hollow sound that is associated with laminates. This is very useful in areas where echoes can be a problem, such as in a hallway.
4. DIY Installation
The new floating cork floors come with locking systems such as Uniclic for easy DIY installation. This gives you access to planks that are installed in much the same way as a laminate floor.
As long as the sub floor is dry, clean and level, you should have very few problems. These ranges are usually not recommended for use in a basements, due to excessive moisture levels. Cork can be installed over surfaces such as tile, wood and concrete, but check with your supplier to be safe. Some brands come with a cork underlayment already attached, allowing you to use only a moisture barrier. In other cases, you may still have to purchase an underlayment.
5. Fairly Low-Maintenance
This is seen as a fairly low-maintenance option. Day to day dirt can be taken care of with a soft broom. Once a week or so, a quick wipe with a very slightly damp mop should be enough. Never use a wet mop. Clean spills immediately by blotting with a sponge or paper towel, before drying the floor with a mop. Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners.
6. Interesting Color Variations
The interesting color variations offered add to the popularity of these collections. No two floors will look exactly alike, due to natural diversity. Shading can stretch from a rich golden yellow to a darker nutty brown. You also get variety with the speckled patterning. If you are looking for creativity in your decor, this is one way of achieving your goal, according to cork flooring reviews.
7. Good Warranties
If you give your floor covering some tender loving care and use a touch of common sense, you should have the pleasure of a great looking floor for many years to come. Many of these ranges come with warranties of between 25 and 35 years.
The drawbacks of these floors include the more limited color options, compared to laminates, as well as the fact that the floor may need to be re-sealed from time to time. When you make your purchase, make sure that you get a product that has been sealed with something like a high quality UV varnish to give added durability.
Cork flooring prices may be a bit higher than that of vinyl, but you can easily get a wholesale deal if you know where to go.
If you can't afford to install a wood floor and would like to do your bit for the environment, cork flooring reviews claim that these collections can be a sensible second choice.
Installation is relatively easy, even for a novice. You may not even need to purchase a separate underlayment.
Let's take a look at 7 reasons why natural cork floor coverings have become so popular among the DIY crowd.
1. Eco-Friendly Floors
During manufacturing, bark from the cork oak tree is used. Once harvested, it is ground and processed into sheets. These are then kiln baked to produce the flooring tiles. This type of floor covering can be used in homes and light commercial settings such as offices.
This is a highly regulated industry. Regulations require that a tree must be at least 25 years before it can be harvested. The tree isn't negatively impacted by the harvesting. The bark grows back in time, making for a renewable flooring source. This is why it is seen as an eco-friendly or 'green' interior design solution.
2. Durable And Resilient
Judging by cork flooring reviews, this kind of floor is comparatively resilient when it comes to impact. The cellular nature means that it contains microscopic air pockets. This creates a 'memory' in a sense that allows the surface to go back to its original state after impact or pressure. This also makes it a suitable choice if you have pets in your home, although you still have to make sure that you keep their nails short.
3. Family Friendly
Moisture Resistant: Cork contains a waxy substance called suberin. This is the secret behind the excellent moisture resistance of floating cork flooring. In spite of this, it is still safer not to let fluids stand on your new floor. Rather clean any spills immediately.
Insect Resistant: The waxy suberin also allows these surfaces to be highly resistant to insect infestation and molds and mildew. Many cork flooring reviews also mention that, if your kids suffer from allergies, changing from carpeting to cork may be beneficial.
Impact Resistant: The air pockets act as shock absorbers in a sense, facilitating excellent cushioning. This gives it a good level of impact resistance. The cushioning may also offer some measure of protection when, for instance, an elderly person falls on one of these floors.
Warm: The air pockets or cellular structure also traps warmth. This means that a floating cork floor will be more comfortable and warmer underfoot than many of the other options, such as laminates or vinyl.
Absorbs Sound Well: Again, due to the cellular structure, sound is absorbed remarkably well. Cork flooring reviews note that you won't get the hollow sound that is associated with laminates. This is very useful in areas where echoes can be a problem, such as in a hallway.
4. DIY Installation
The new floating cork floors come with locking systems such as Uniclic for easy DIY installation. This gives you access to planks that are installed in much the same way as a laminate floor.
As long as the sub floor is dry, clean and level, you should have very few problems. These ranges are usually not recommended for use in a basements, due to excessive moisture levels. Cork can be installed over surfaces such as tile, wood and concrete, but check with your supplier to be safe. Some brands come with a cork underlayment already attached, allowing you to use only a moisture barrier. In other cases, you may still have to purchase an underlayment.
5. Fairly Low-Maintenance
This is seen as a fairly low-maintenance option. Day to day dirt can be taken care of with a soft broom. Once a week or so, a quick wipe with a very slightly damp mop should be enough. Never use a wet mop. Clean spills immediately by blotting with a sponge or paper towel, before drying the floor with a mop. Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners.
6. Interesting Color Variations
The interesting color variations offered add to the popularity of these collections. No two floors will look exactly alike, due to natural diversity. Shading can stretch from a rich golden yellow to a darker nutty brown. You also get variety with the speckled patterning. If you are looking for creativity in your decor, this is one way of achieving your goal, according to cork flooring reviews.
7. Good Warranties
If you give your floor covering some tender loving care and use a touch of common sense, you should have the pleasure of a great looking floor for many years to come. Many of these ranges come with warranties of between 25 and 35 years.
The drawbacks of these floors include the more limited color options, compared to laminates, as well as the fact that the floor may need to be re-sealed from time to time. When you make your purchase, make sure that you get a product that has been sealed with something like a high quality UV varnish to give added durability.
Cork flooring prices may be a bit higher than that of vinyl, but you can easily get a wholesale deal if you know where to go.
If you can't afford to install a wood floor and would like to do your bit for the environment, cork flooring reviews claim that these collections can be a sensible second choice.
Purchase Cork Flooring and other renewable building materials at World Class Supply !
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